Lord of Misrule

* This review may contain spoilers for the first four books in the series. *

Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine

The Morganville Vampires

ISBN# 978-0-451-22572-6

Available now

Published by NAL Jam/Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

Format: mm pbk., 244 pages

Genres: YA, fiction, urban fantasy

Rachel Caine is one of a select few authors I read almost religiously.  It doesn't matter if it's a new series or the eighth book in a favorite series because their writing style, storytelling skills, and characterization are so highly enjoyable that I'm guaranteed to love it.  I haven't been let down yet by Ms. Caine.  If young adult fiction (YA) or vampires isn't your thing give her Weather Warden series a try featuring humans who can control different elements and Djinn.  Also out this month is Undone, book one of Outcast Season, which is a spin-off of the Weather Warden series.  If you like any of her series or want to know more be sure to visit her site as it is what other authors should set as their goal.  Her site is truly for the fans, full of free short stories, secret links, and even a place to share fan fiction.

After the disastrous events at the end of Feast of Fools this book begins with a Morganville in complete chaos and on fire.  Sine Bishop, Amelie's father, came to town his only goal has been to take over, first he tried to undermine the Founder's (Amelie) authority and when that didn't work he started an outright war.  Now, it's vampire against vampire with the humans stuck in the middle getting angrier by the hour.  Despite the danger on the streets Amelie sends Shane to defend their blood supply, the Bloodmobile, and takes Claire with her to rescue Myrnin.  Unfortunately, while getting him out they are forced to leave Amelie behind who's busy facing off against Bishop.  Oliver takes over in her absence, but that doesn't last very long as he and all the other vampires in town start mysteriously disappearing with some even seen on the streets during the day.  The majority of humans in town have finally had enough and launch their own attacks killing vampires and loyal humans alike caught by wandering mobs.  While Bishop and Amelie are gathering their people for battle the humans head for shelters all over town to escape the path of an oncoming tornado.  All but too late, Oliver arrives at the Glass house in bad shape to warn Claire and her friends of a trap.  They quickly rush off to see who they can help, but it's clear Morganville will never be the same.  The only question left really, is what will it become?

There's so many questions I look forward to getting answered in this series.  We're on the fifth book now and the series is really humming along now, fast pace, a whole bunch of subplots going on including two romances, and a whole lot of Myrnin (my favorite character even though he's all kinds of crazy).  The only thing I really have to complain about is the length of these books, not one book is much over 200 pages.  It's YA sure, but look at the size of the Harry Potter or Twilight books.  If it's interesting, like this series, teens will want bigger books just like adults do when they love a book or series.  Have I mentioned my love for Myrnin?  He's good, then he's bad, give him his medication and he's good again, but he's also sneaky so you never quite know if he really is a good guy or just waiting for the best opportunity to switch sides.  This series is a must for urban fantasy and vampire fans alike.

Zhye